Description
As the days turn into nights and the storm rages on, Abbie's strength and resourcefulness are put to the ultimate test. She learns what a promise means as she must tend to the lights nightly, care for her sick mother, her sister, the livestock, and hope anxiously for the storm to end. Based on a true story.
Explore the Cultural Background of the 1800s East Coast
Before your child reads the book, this guide helps immerse your beginning learners in the rich history of lighthouses and what life was like in the 1800s. Students will explore why lighthouses were important and how ships navigated, building the historical context for this true story of a brave young heroine. Learning Abbie’s story can inspire your students in their own day-to-day walk.
Not just simple background reading, this sets the stage for higher order thinking and learning how responsibility is part of our lives.
Meet Peter & Connie Roop — the couple behind the story
These award-winning authors have written over one hundred children's books, including biographies, science, and picture books. They've been recognized as Notable Wisconsin Authors and Peter has been named a Wisconsin State Teacher of the Year. Understanding an author's life can make their stories even more interesting.
Words that matter — learning through fun, not busywork
Vocabulary is woven into this guide through varied, engaging activities designed to build real word retention — not just rote memorization. Students work with words in context, developing the kind of rich vocabulary that strengthens their beginning reading comprehension.
- Context-based vocabulary is from the novel itself
- A fun wordsearch fosters word recognition
- Activities that build retention, not just memorization
Begin to recognize literary techniques used in good stories
This guide goes beyond comprehension to teach students how great storytelling works. Through carefully designed activities, students explore the literary techniques that make Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie so exciting and memorable, including:
- Creating Word Pictures — Learn how authors use imagery, similes, and metaphors to connect things we know to create vivid feelings or pictures in your mind
- Cause and Effect — Recognize how authors show one action causing another thing to happen as a result
Beginning ELA skills help build the literary appreciation that young children carry into more advanced study.
Faith-centered character study — lesson by lesson
Every page of Abbie's harrowing adventure offers an opportunity for meaningful character growth. This guide draws out the moral and spiritual dimensions of the story, exploring themes such as:
Each theme is tied directly to Scripture, so faith and literature grow together — not separately.
Learning that brings ELA to life
Families love how Progeny Press guides bring books to life — and Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie is no exception. This guide includes a rich variety of hands-on, cross-curricular activities, including:
- Geography — Explore the the state of Maine and the location of Matinicus Lighthouse
- Lighthouses — Create lighthouse art and discuss how lighthouses were built
- Discuss the 1800s — Learn about about how they heated their homes
- Cultural Connections — What clothing was worn in the 1800s?
- Sailing Safety — Discuss the importance of lighthouses
- 1800s Schooling — How did children do school in a lighthouse?
These aren't filler activities. Each one is intentionally connected to the story, the historical setting, or the biblical themes — making learning authentic.
Keep the love of reading going long after the last page
This guide includes a curated reading list to keep the love of literature going long after the last page. Featuring more works by Peter and Connie Roop as well as other books that share the themes, setting, and spirit of Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie. It's a wonderful resource for enriching your carefully curated reading curriculum.
Open-and-go — on your schedule, your way
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- Works on Mac, PC, and most tablets
- Fillable PDF fields for on-screen use or easy printing
- Print the full guide, individual lessons, or multiple classroom copies
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